Paul Newman is going beyond the popcorn, salad dressing, and other items from the popular ‘Newman’s Own’ brand and opening an eco-restaurant in Connecticut. Called, appropriately enough, The Dressing Room, the farmhouse-style building features,

Newman isn’t just helping the environment. He’s also gone ahead and helped fund the $18 million dollar restoration of a neighboring theatre, and also supported the weekly farmer’s market that’s held in its parking lot each week. There are additional plans to ‘start a Colonial/ Native American edible schoolyard at Staples High School, and to establish an endowment for culinary scholarships for students of underprivileged communities.’

While the menu isn’t quite vegetarian, sensitive meat-eaters will be happy to know that care is taken when using animals in the dishes. “Newman — who is known to cook quite a good burger himself — had no qualms about it. Hence, the “P.L. Newman Burger” is made of Niman Ranch beef from cattle raised without hormones or antibiotics on small-scale farms. (The pickles, lettuce and tomatoes are available when in season.)”

Go Paul! Check out the restaurant’s website here. And — if you get the chance to visit — let us know how it was!

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About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.